User Friction

Definition ∞ User friction refers to any obstacle or difficulty that a user encounters when interacting with a digital product, service, or system. This includes complex onboarding processes, unintuitive interfaces, slow transaction speeds, high fees, or confusing terminology that impedes a smooth user experience. Reducing user friction is a primary goal in product design, as it directly impacts adoption rates, user retention, and overall satisfaction. In digital assets, it often relates to the technical complexities of blockchain interaction.
Context ∞ User friction is a frequently discussed challenge in the cryptocurrency and decentralized finance sectors, often cited in news as a barrier to broader mainstream adoption. Developers are continuously working on improving wallet interfaces, simplifying transaction flows, and abstracting away underlying blockchain complexities to reduce this friction. Innovations in user experience design and interoperability are crucial for making digital assets accessible to a wider audience, driving utility beyond early adopters.